Controlling animal diseases
There are many prevention, control and eradication measures in place to protect your business, the industry and, in some cases, public health from animal-borne diseases.
Every keeper of livestock has a responsibility to care about the health and welfare of their own animals.
What can I do?
Some of the steps you can take to prevent introduction and dissemination of animal diseases are:
- Routine cleansing and disinfection of all equipment, protective clothing, vehicles, etc.
- Personal biosecurity.
- Restricting visitors access to the livestock area.
- Complying with the movement standstill period.
- Being alert to any disease symptoms.
- Reporting suspected disease to a vet.
How are they spread?
Infection can be easily spread by contaminated surfaces such as:
- clothing
- hands
- equipment
Direct contact with fallen stock or with other infected animals can also spread diseases. These can include dogs, cats and stray foxes which may carry infection without being infected.
Biosecurity measures can minimise the risk of an outbreak and spread of the disease.
How do I report a disease?
If you suspect your animals have any signs of a notifiable disease you must phone your local APHA office on 03000 200 301 without delay.
Biosecurity
This is the main biosecurity practice used to minimise the risk and control the spread of animal-borne diseases.
Clean in and out
The key rule is to always 'clean in and out'.
This means that all vehicles, protective clothing and equipment should be cleansed and disinfected before and after contact with livestock and areas where livestock is kept.
All mud, dung and other matter should be soaked with disinfectant before removal. Disinfectant is made less effective by the presence of such materials.
Remember: you should always use a Defra approved disinfectant.
Infection Control
Advice for people
Footwear
Should be clean and free from adhesions after cleansing and disinfection.
Clothing
Wash by machine if soiled by material that may be contaminated.
Handling stock
Thoroughly wash and disinfect hands.
Advice for vehicles, machinery and equipment outside
- All surfaces should be washed including wheel arches.
Wheels
- Check all wheels for accumulation of animal manure and soil.
- Always check the inner wheel rim surface close to any stub axles or frames.
Tyres
- It is essential that all tyres are thoroughly washed before moving off.
- Mud left on tyres and thrown at speed contaminates roads and vehicles.
Inside
- Clean the inside of the cab etc.
- Make sure that manure and other soil material is not carried on the pedals.
- Pay particular attention to footwells.
After moving stock
- Thoroughly wet all parts of the vehicle that have had contact with animals with disinfectant.
- Remove all litter, dung etc.
- Soak all parts again with disinfectant.
- Disinfect anything used in connection with the transportation of livestock.
Further information
This is not an authoritative statement of the law and is intended for guidance only. Refer to the legislation for more detailed information.
For any further information please contact us.
